Question

The diagram below shows the relative positions of Earth, the moon, and the sun. The moon is shown at four possible positions around Earth. Which position of the moon could result in a solar eclipse?

3

2

1

4

Answer 1

The correct position of the moon for a solar eclipse is when it is directly between the Earth and Sun, casting its umbra onto Earth, seen at position 1. At this location, a total solar eclipse occurs, while partial and annular eclipses occur at other positions.

Step-by-step explanation:

The position of the moon that could result in a solar eclipse is when it is directly between the Earth and the Sun. This occurs during the new moon phase, when the moon's darkest shadow, or umbra, intersects with the Earth. If you are on the part of Earth covered by the umbra, you would witness a total solar eclipse. Observers in the larger area covered by the penumbra, the lighter shadow, would see only part of the Sun eclipsed by the Moon, which is a partial solar eclipse.

From the information provided, position 1 corresponds to the total eclipse, which would mean that at this position, the moon is casting its umbra onto the Earth where the total solar eclipse is visible. Positions 2 and 3 would result in partial eclipses, with the annular eclipse occurring at position 4 where the Moon is farther away and doesn't completely cover the Sun, leaving a ring of light visible around it.

Answer 2

The moon is rest in between the earth and Sun on a solar eclipse, which would be number 2.